Geography

Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom, higher income countries, newly emerging economies and lower income countries . Topics of study include climate change, poverty, hazards, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes in their lessons.

Student statements

“Geography is a subject that is very interesting. It is all about the countries, beaches and land. I really enjoy it and think it’s interesting and fun”

“Geography is great, you get to learn about different countries and find out what they’re like. My favourite lesson is Geography because it’s good to know about different places”

“Geography is great because the teacher is really nice and the work is fun”

Year 7

Students will study the following topics; the Zombie Apocalypse (map skills), Raging Rivers, Fantastic Places and Cracking Coasts. Key questions we will be answering in year 7 include; how can I be a successful learner in Geography? How do we read maps? What are the processes and landforms associated with rivers? Where Are the world’s major cities located? This will involve a variety of lesson techniques that will enable Year 7 students to grasp an understanding of the key skills needed to succeed in Geography, develop a knowledge of their local area and gain an understanding of the physical and human changes in the world.

Year 8

Students will study the following topics; Awesome Asia, Excellent Ecosystems and Into Africa and Our Local Area. Key questions we will be answering in year 8 include; What are the causes, effects and responses to tectonic events such as tsunamis? What factors affect the climate of the world? What are ecosystems and what factors affect their location? How are our actions impacting Antarctica? This will involve a variety of lesson techniques that will enable Year 7 students to grasp an understanding of the key skills needed to succeed in Geography, develop a knowledge of their local area and gain an understanding of the physical and human changes in the world.

Year 9/10/11

Description of the course

All students study the AQA 9-1 exam specification. During Year 9 students are introduced to key skills in Geography before embarking on the exam topics. This includes a study of climate graphs as well as a short investigation to introduce students to the route to enquiry. Exam topics studied in Year 9 include Physical Landscapes in the UK and The Challenge of Resource Management. During Year 10 we study the following units in detail; Urban Issues and The Living World. In Year 11 students study The Challenge of Natural Hazards and The Changing Economic World. Throughout the course students will conduct 2 fieldwork enquiries which are assessed in the third GCSE examination.

The balanced core of human and physical Geography covers knowledge of places, decision making techniques, problem solving and an awareness of environmental issues.

Assessment Procedure

Regular mid and end of unit assessments will take place throughout the three year course. Internal mock examinations will take place at the end of year 9 and 10. Year 11 students will be examined as part of a whole school mock examination period.

Year 11 students will be assessed in Geography through three external examinations.

• 35% paper 1-1 hour 30 minutes written examination on physical geography

• 35% paper 2-1 hour 30 minutes written examination on human geography

• 30% paper 3-1 hour 15 minutes written examination on geographical applications (this will include questions on fieldwork skills and a decision-making style exam question based on a pre-released document).

Meet the staff

Mr I Hartley – Acting Head of Geography
Mr J Strachan – Teacher of Geography
Ms E Roberts– Teacher of Geography
Ms L Stoodley– Teacher of Geography

Plympton Academy

PARENTS

Geography

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9/10/11

Meet the staff